[at-l] Trip Report

[Charles Copeland" <charles@uswnet.com (Charles Copeland)]

The Sipsey Wilderness brings back memories.  Our Troop hiked on the Sipsey
River in the early 70s and it was beautiful.  Later we found out it was
going to be dammed or the area was going to be mined or something.  Thus
started my first letter-writing campaign - as a 12 yr-old Scout.  Our Troop
sent letters and got others to send letters to the State Legislature and to
Congress asking to preserve the area and the area was designated as some
kind of protected area (not a Wilderness).  Since then, through others'
efforts, it has been designated a Wilderness Area.

Beautiful place!

Charles


----- Original Message -----
From: <FosterP599@aol.com>
To: <at-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2002 3:43 PM
Subject: [at-l] Trip Report


Last week, during some very warm weather, I did an overnite hike in the
Sipsey Wilderness.  It was the first time to use my new G-4 pack and the
second time for a Hennessey Hammock. I trimmed and used the pads for
shoulder
and waist belts.  With food for two days, sleeping bag, Z-rest, change of
underwear & socks,stove & pot, and hammock, weight was 15 lbs.  I added 2
liters of water and was still under 19 lbs.  I though this was great, I
liked
having water in the side pockets and the loops for the hose.  The pads in
the
shoulder straps had to be adjusted for comfort.  Everything else worked
fine.
 I hiked in using the Mitchell Ridge Trail and it was a joy to be outside
and
I did not see anyone else during the two days.  I found a great stealth
campsite with a small spring and trees just right for the hammock.  Since it
was a little cool, I used the Z-rest to lay on and used the bag like a
quilt.
 Mostly I was comfortable but still have a lot to learn about sleeping in a
hammock.  Me, water bottle, shoes, bag and Z-rest all traveled to the lowest
part of the hammock.  If any of you have opportunity, I recommend the Sipsey
Wilderness in North Alabama.

First Pilgrim
Foster Parsons
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